Tuning energy harvesting devices with different layout angles to robust the mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion performance

Abstract

This research presents an engineering approach to fabricate multilayered electrospun nanofiber mats with high conversion performance of mechanical to electrical energy as well as improved physical stability. Electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride nanofiber webs were prepared with predefined nanofiber alignments. Fiber alignments and layer-by-layer deposition angles are considered as a tool to adjust the piezoelectric responses of multi-layered fibrous mats. Samples with optimized drum speed and maximum aligned nanofibers were utilized to fabricate multi-layered mats in different layering angles from the fiber direction of base layer (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, and 180[Formula: see text]). The effect of layering angle of multi-layered nanogenerators on their piezoelectric responses was investigated using an image analysis approach based on the fast Fourier transform. Multivariate analyses (ANOVA) performed to reveal the relationship between increasing drum speed and nanofibers alignment and the degree of crystallization as well as the formation of β-phase in the fiber crystalline structure. Results showed that increase in drum speeds had a relative improvement in the crystal structure and the formation of β-phase in the electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride nanofiber webs. Furthermore, electrical response of samples with well-aligned polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers collected at 1800 r/min led to 94.49% improvement when they were exposed by a periodic mechanical impact compared to non-aligned polyvinylidene fluoride nanofiber webs. Piezoelectric response of multilayered samples with layering angles of 120[Formula: see text] showed 41% improvement in their electrical output compared to those with 0[Formula: see text]. These results teach us to establish engineering design rules for textile-based energy conversion devices with different piezoelectric coefficients.